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Adventures of Plein Air Painting in San Francisco
The coldest winter...
Most people are familiar with this quote often attributed to Mark Twain, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." While this is a true statement, Mark Twain most likely didn't say it, but it is widely credited to him. It does sound like something he'd say. I can attest to the truth and veracity of the statement, regardless of who said it.
Though we did not visit San Francisco in summer (we were there in mid-April), it was a very cold spring. Layers, multiple in fact, were necessary and often quite useful. While the day didn't always warm up much, once or twice it did, though it never warmed up on the days we were out painting.
Painting in San Francisco
Painting close to the bay and the crashing Pacific waves was quite an adventure! The wind was powerful, the fog was constantly moving, and the temperature chilled you to the bone (though remained in the fifties). But how exciting it was to brave the forces of nature, bundle up, and bravely set up to paint right in the elements! It was thrilling to feel the power of the Pacific as the waves crashed on the rocks of the coast line. Their tremendous energy could be seen in the waves, felt in the spray twelve or more feet up, and heard in the roar of the crashing sounds of water against rocks.
I took this picture right before packing up and hiking back up to the buses which would take us back to the convention. While this was an outstanding day of painting, my hands were so cold and numb I could barely pack everything up! So glad the Strada easel is so easy to put up and take down.
One of my favorite American painters, Bierdstadt, painted Lands End approximately one hundred fifty years ago. I admire his work, especially the way he created a sense of light in his paintings. I love so much about this painting. You can almost feel the cold Pacific spray in your face!
Stay tuned for updates on the finished paintings from the Plein Air Convention. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates between monthly newsletter updates.
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